A look at the Analyst Role in FSI

Please tell us a bit about your role.

Our grade consists of 26 Analysts working across six departments: Drugs, Toxicology, DNA, Documents & Handwriting, Chemistry and Fingerprints. The primary role of an Analyst is to support the scientific teams and to ensure the laboratories run smoothly and efficiently. While Analysts are not required to report on cases, we contribute to the Criminal Justice Sector by carrying out daily analysis of exhibits, maintaining the highest standards of quality and recognising the importance of urgent court cases and turnaround times.

Across the laboratories, FSI Analysts manage a wide range of analytical instruments that require routine quality control checks and annual servicing. Analysts are responsible for organising this servicing, as well as troubleshooting any issues that arise in between. Some of the instruments we work with include Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS); Gas Chromatography-Flame ionization Detection (GC-FID); Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS); Fourier Transform infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In addition, Analysts are involved with validating new instruments, verifying methods and continually developing our expertise in these analytical techniques to enhance the detection and identification of evidence for casework.

What were your reasons for applying?

I applied to Forensic Science Ireland because I wanted my work to have real meaning and by supporting the Criminal Justice Sector through science, I feel I am making a genuine difference. Our new building at the Backweston Laboratory Campus is also a state-of-the-art facility that has gained recognition from forensic laboratories around the world. It provides a secure, modern and comfortable working environment, whilst being surrounded by greenery and walkways that contribute to a positive attitude in the building.

What do you value about your job?

As part of the Drugs team, I value the sense of camaraderie we share. We support one another daily, creating a positive and encouraging environment that makes the work both rewarding and enjoyable. Our laboratory is unique in both the work we carry out and knowing that we play a vital role in the Criminal Justice Sector gives me a strong sense of purpose and pride in my role.

What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?

One of our most valuable benefits is our flexi-time agreement, which allows staff to choose work schedules that suit their lifestyle. It also increases leave days, as time built up can be taken in lieu, encouraging a healthy work-life balance. Alongside the support of management and colleagues, we also have access to CSEAS, which promotes wellbeing and provides support for both mental and physical health. FSI is strongly committed to career development, offering opportunities to further education and ensuring staff remain experts in their field. Ongoing training is encouraged through platforms such as One Learning, helping us to continuously grow and develop.

What opportunities has this role provided for you?

Being an Analyst has given me a broad understanding of the procedures within FSI and valuable experience with a range of analytical equipment, such as GC-MS. Through training and research, I‘ve developed the skills to troubleshoot both common and unique issues, which is priceless hands-on experience.

This year I had the opportunity to be a part of a research group that presented at the European Academy of Forensic Science, an international conference held in Dublin in May 2025 (https://eafs2025.org/). This experience allowed me to expand my knowledge across different areas of forensic science, while also networking with like-minded professionals from around the world.

What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?

Within the Drugs team, I particularly enjoy providing Presumptive Drug Testing (PDT) training to An Garda Síochána staff. This gives me the chance to interact directly with stakeholders, building strong relationships whilst also recognising the wider impact of our work on both the justice system and public safety. I also value the close-knit nature of the analyst cohort at FSI. As Analysts make up less than 20% of the professional and technical staff, there is a real sense of unity, with colleagues always ready to lend a hand, whether it’s supporting research, contributing to a project, or assisting with casework.

What has surprised you since starting this role?

When studying science in college, I often heard that the work could be highly procedural and repetitive. At FSI, however, every day brings something new. Methods of analysis are constantly evolving to keep pace with changes in legislation and drug supply, which makes the work dynamic and challenging. While some cases are particularly complex, what surprised me most was the sheer volume and variety of exhibits that pass through FSI for analysis. It has been both eye-opening and rewarding.

Anything else you would like to share?

Overall, being an Analyst at Forensic Science Ireland is both challenging and fulfilling. It provides the opportunity to grow professionally, contribute to groundbreaking forensic work and make a tangible difference to the justice system. Every day brings new challenges and learning experiences, whether through complex casework, training opportunities or collaboration with colleagues across different disciplines within FSI. What makes the role especially rewarding is knowing that the work we do has a direct impact, supporting investigations, protecting communities and ultimately helping to deliver justice. Combined with the supportive culture within FSI, the role offers not just a career, but a chance to be part of something meaningful and important.